Search for sleep leads to needles

Last updated 09:32 05/03/2014

PIN CUSHION: Western Leader reporter Kelly Dennett braves the needle as she undergoes acupuncture at Living Well Acupuncture in Titirangi.

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Today we're kicking off our new monthly feature - Give It A Go. Western Leader reporters are going to take the plunge, push the boundaries and try their hand at something new - a sport, a career, a hobby. This month Kelly Dennett overcomes her fear of needles and visits an acupunture clinic.

This week is Acupuncture Awareness Week, but what exactly is it? Acupuncture originates from traditional Chinese medicine and is based on the idea that disease and pain manifest in the body when an energy line is blocked. Acupuncture points are where the energies can be unblocked. -

I'm five years old and I need a blood test.

No less than three people are trying to hold me down while I scream and cry.

Then the needle snaps while in my arm.

It's this memory I'm replaying in my mind as I drive out to Living Well Acupuncture in Titirangi.

I know acupuncture needles are small and don't go all the way in but I'm starting to sweat anyway.